JOHN W. GRISSAM, produce merchant, was born April 11, 1832, in Christian County, Ky. His parents were J. W. and Sarah W. (Wells) Grissam. The father was a native of South Carolina; he managed the farm for many years and served the county for some years in an official capacity; he was Deputy Sheriff’, Tax Collector and Constable, all under the old Constitution. It was generally conceded that he gave good satisfaction in his official work. He departed this life December 7, 1861, at the age of sixty-four years; he with his wife were for many years worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The mother was a native of North Carolina. She came to Muhlenburg County at an early age, and is still living, with powers of mind and body unimpaired. These parents had twenty children, eight of whom died in infancy. The remaining twelve were raised to advanced years. John W. began for himself at the age of twenty-two years. Owing to a large family he had no moneyed assistance. He has been engaged variously at farming, milling and merchandising; he now owns a nice home in Kirk mansville, and is numbered among its respected and responsible citizens; he was married in 1865 to-Miss Emma C. McCown, of Muhlenburg County. These parents have had six children, two of whom, John L. and Mary E., died in childhood. The living children are: Malvina F., William C., Micajah W. and Samuel C. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
